Mersawa Gajah
Scientific name: Anisoptera scaphula
Overview
Mersawa Gajah (Anisoptera scaphula) is a rare tropical hardwood native to parts of Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Bangladesh, northeastern India, and western Thailand. It belongs to the Dipterocarpaceae family, one of Asia’s most important hardwood families, and is one of several species marketed under the trade name Mersawa. Unlike some of its more common relatives, Mersawa Gajah has a relatively limited natural distribution and is encountered less frequently in commercial lumber markets.
The species grows into a massive emergent tree within lowland tropical forests, producing long, straight trunks capable of yielding high-quality timber. The wood has traditionally been used for construction, furniture, cabinetry, veneer, and general woodworking because of its balanced combination of strength, stability, and workability.
The heartwood ranges from pale yellowish-brown to light brown, gradually becoming slightly darker with age. The grain is usually straight but may occasionally be slightly interlocked, while the medium texture allows the wood to machine and finish well.
Within the Asian hardwood collection, Mersawa Gajah represents one of the less common members of the Anisoptera genus and serves as an excellent example of the commercially valuable hardwoods produced by Southeast Asia’s Dipterocarp forests.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Mersawa Gajah
- Scientific Name: Anisoptera scaphula
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Native Range: Myanmar, Bangladesh, Northeastern India, Western Thailand
- Tree Size: 130–180 ft tall (40–55 m), 3–6 ft trunk diameter (0.9–1.8 m)
- Average Dried Weight: Approximately 39–45 lbs/ft³ (625–720 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: Approximately 1,250–1,450 lbf
- Color: Pale yellowish-brown to light brown, darkening gradually with age
- Grain: Usually straight, occasionally slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium to moderately coarse
Identification Characteristics
Mersawa Gajah is recognized by its light brown heartwood, lighter-colored sapwood, and generally straight grain. Freshly sawn lumber often exhibits pale yellowish-brown tones that slowly mature into a warmer light brown after exposure to air and light.
The wood has a medium texture with moderate natural luster. Growth rings are generally indistinct, while medium-sized pores provide a smooth, even appearance. Slight interlocked grain may occasionally produce subtle ribbon figure on quartersawn surfaces.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale yellowish-brown heartwood
- Cream-colored sapwood
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Medium texture
- Moderate natural luster
- Uniform appearance
- Good dimensional stability
- Occasional ribbon figure on quartersawn lumber
Working Properties
Mersawa Gajah is considered a dependable hardwood that machines well using conventional woodworking equipment. Its moderate density allows it to cut cleanly while maintaining sufficient strength for structural and decorative woodworking applications.
The wood planes, drills, glues, and sands well while producing smooth finished surfaces. It accepts stains and clear finishes evenly, making it suitable for both natural and finished wood projects.
- Machines easily
- Planes cleanly
- Turns well
- Sands smoothly
- Accepts glue readily
- Finishes well
- Good nail and screw holding
- Moderate dimensional stability
- Suitable for veneer production
Safety Note
Wood dust from Mersawa species may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Proper dust collection systems and respiratory protection are recommended during machining and sanding operations.
Common Uses
Mersawa Gajah common uses include:
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior millwork
- Architectural trim
- Doors
- Window frames
- Paneling
- Decorative veneer
- Plywood
- Interior flooring
- General construction
- Utility woodworking
Sustainability & Notes
Anisoptera scaphula occurs naturally in portions of Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, and Thailand, where it grows within tropical Dipterocarp forests. These forests are recognized for their remarkable biodiversity but have experienced significant pressure from commercial logging, agricultural expansion, and habitat loss.
In portions of its native range, Anisoptera scaphula has experienced population declines, making responsible forest management and sustainable harvesting increasingly important. Purchasing lumber from responsibly managed forests and certified suppliers helps encourage long-term conservation of this valuable hardwood and the ecosystems where it grows.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Mersawa Durian – A closely related Anisoptera species widely used for furniture, millwork, and plywood.
Mersawa Paya – Another commercially important Mersawa species with similar appearance and woodworking characteristics.
Palosapis – A Philippine Anisoptera species sharing many physical and mechanical properties.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern – Learn the visual characteristics used to identify tropical hardwoods by grain, texture, and appearance.
Understanding Interlocked vs Straight Grain – Discover how grain orientation affects machining, appearance, and woodworking performance.
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods – Learn best practices for drying, acclimating, and stabilizing tropical hardwoods before use.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Mersawa Gajah is an attractive addition to collections focused on Southeast Asian hardwoods and the diverse members of the Dipterocarpaceae family. Although it is seldom encountered compared to more widely traded Mersawa species, its relatively limited distribution makes documented specimens particularly interesting for educational and regional collections.
Collectors often appreciate Mersawa Gajah for its subtle grain, clean appearance, and importance as one of the lesser-known commercial hardwoods of mainland Southeast Asia.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
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